Captain Fury: Pirate of Berk

33: Gonna be a fun voyage

Thirty-Three: Gonna be a fun voyage.

"I'll go," said Snotlout.

Hiccup managed to stop himself gaping at his cousin though he could feel Viggo's eyes on him, coolly analysing his response. He raised his green gaze to try to meet Snotlout's eyes but the stocky young man stared steadfastly forward and avoided his eye. Rising, Stoick paternally rested his arm around his nephew's shoulders, his expression very proud and Hiccup felt an inward cringe: that was something he had never experienced and never would. The sad fact was that Stoick had always preferred Snotlout to his own son, had always held him up as a paragon compared to his own skinny, clumsy and ultimately disgraced son.

"...good..." he forced himself to croak. There was of course the unspoken dragon in the room: the fact that Hiccup had killed Snot's brother and father during the battle and he hadn't exchanged a word with his cousin, with his friend since. Snotlout sat down, composed and calm but Hiccup, who knew his cousin well, saw the pallor on his face and the shadow of sadness in his eyes, though he was trying hard to mask it.

"Then it is agreed," Viggo said smoothly, glancing along the line of pirates. As Master of the Council on Dragon Island, his authority was unquestioned and though hard-headed and independent, the men-and woman-here still accepted his right to speak for them. Ryker, Leifur and Cami nodded. Thuggory huffed and rolled his eyes but finally gave a nod while Mildew rolled a knife in his hands thoughtfully.

"Don't remember sayin' I agreed with this lunatic plan," he pointed out. Ryker's fist clenched with an audible crack. "But I didn't say I didn't..." the old pirate protested hastily.

"Then we have an accord," Viggo said, standing and spitting on his palm. He offered Stoick his hand and his cold glaze challenged the Governor. Curling his lip in disgust, the Governor mirrored the action and grasped the man's hand firmly. There was a long moment where both squeezed for all they were worth and then, abruptly, they released each other's hands.

"Indeed," Stoick growled. The pirates rose and as one, they headed for the door. Not one gave 'Captain Fury' a glance, though Thuggory patted him aimlessly on the shoulder-save Cami who paused by him and gave a sultry smile.

"Who knows, lover boy..." she smirked, tossing her wild blonde hair. "A romantic voyage, just the two of us...plenty of time for a little...fun..." He felt Astrid go rigid at his side and grabbed her wrist tightly, warning her not to say anything. He knew she had a volcanic temper and the last thing he wanted-though it would be moderately flattering-was the two blondes fighting over him. He had no doubt that Astrid would emerge victorious-eventually-but the fallout in terms of damage to the very fragile alliance with the pirates could be catastrophic.

"...not really...a fun guy..." he croaked blandly.

"I can change that," Cami purred. He inclined his head.

"...we have...other priorities..." he pointed out.

"I hear you are free of that skank, Heather," Cami murmured, trailing a finger along his shoulder. "And maybe looking for another friendly port?" Pointedly lacing her fingers between his, Astrid tossed the female pirate a glare fierce enough to melt iron.

"He's already found one," she said icily. Cami stood upright and pointedly planted her fists on the curves of her hips, emphasising her own alluring shape.

"If you ever fancy a change of scenery, lover boy, I've always got a warm spot for you," she smirked then flounced away. Hiccup tightened his grip on Astrid, feeling her tense to go after the cocky pirate.

"...easy," he breathed, pulling her close. "Easy! It's...her way...don't rise to her..."

"You did," she accused him. He was making to shoot back another playful reply as Stoick walked past but then he sobered and then raised an arm, his gaze locking on the .